"Back then, I chose to step back, becoming the deep-lying playmaker. Later on, this even became a trend, allowing more midfielders like me to take on the heavy responsibility."
"But with the acceleration of football’s pace, the deep-lying playmaker style has become gradually unsuitable. The overall level of players has risen, and just relying on observation is no longer enough to find defensive weaknesses; sufficient impact is necessary to find opportunities to defeat the opponent in high-level matches."
"In my imagination of future football, the core should gradually move forward to more impactful players. When they create opportunities, they can seize them at the first moment."
"And this is something the deep-lying core can’t do."
"Izalelt’s playing style has this sense of futureness. Do you... want to give it a try?"
Lu Yang laughed.
Attacking midfielder!
Maniero actually suggested he play as an attacking midfielder.
Just ask, who could refuse moving forward on the football field?
Kimmich, Alaba, Bell, everyone drills forward because front-field stars are always more dazzling than those in the back, this is an indisputable fact.
Looking at the contemplative Lu Yang, Sotu spoke, "Cores are different from each other. You might not be able to become a core like Morici, but... you can become a core like Lu Yang."
In a word, be yourself!
Both of these big shots said so, which means even if something goes wrong, they will take the blame, you can play however you want.
What more could Lu Yang ask for?
Thus, Lu Yang nodded heavily.
Then, under Tom’s despairing gaze, Lu Yang, Sotu, and Maniero started an intense discussion; he had some recent findings and confusions to exchange with the two tactical masters.
Maniero smiled slightly, who are they calling tactical masters?
Puppet TuTu is nothing worthy of mention; for a hero, they must harbor great ambitions and have brilliant strategies; today, there are only you and me as heroes!
During the exchange, Lu Yang agreed deeply, directly starting to draw diagrams with Maniero, while Sotu mainly took care of wiping the blackboard.
In the room, Tom’s despair was justified.
Lu Yang couldn’t even play the deep-lying core well, what made them think he could play the more advanced role?
Izalelt could, because Izalelt is a top star, whose abilities in all aspects are first-class, even beyond first-class. Even if he didn’t play as an attacking midfielder, he would excel as a forward or a midfielder.
What about Lu Yang?
This isn’t about looking down on one’s own people, it’s about facing existing reality.
But soon, Maniero gave his answer.
"Your speed isn’t absolutely fast either, but... Izalelt is the same. Yet he always gives the impression of being as fast as lightning, because of his dribbling rhythm and breakthrough choices; pay attention to this part, look at how he plays..." Maniero pointed at the screen, "And here, did you notice Izalelt’s running?"
"His running is incredibly smart this time... and this here, his passing while running at high speed seems to test passing technique greatly, but what it truly tests is a player’s vision and ability to capture opportunities."
"You might lack in passing technique, but in terms of vision, I have a lot of confidence in you. That’s the most important reason I suggest you play this position."
"Actually, Morici could play this position too, despite his lack of impact; his rapid passing and shooting can create new threats in this position. He could even, like Izalelt, change the attributes of the attacking midfielder role."
"But... similarly, you in this position could bring about different changes. Especially during last match under pressure, your irregular Marseille Turn showed me your potential in this position."
Looking into Maniero’s eyes, Lu Yang always feels like he’s being looked at like a son.
But if you call that irregular Marseille Turn, I, Great Emperor Li Yi, might take issue with that!
Maniero’s gaze is identical to the gaze Sotu directed at Lu Yang back then.
It is the embodiment of idealism and a better fantasy of one’s younger days.
"Ding! You’ve activated a special task, Maniero’s Outlook."
"Maniero’s Outlook: Restricted by physique, speed, and the times, Maniero’s understanding of football hasn’t completely become reality; in football, there are many things he yearns for but can’t reach. You shall be Maniero’s brightest figure, substituting him in completing his vision for future football."
"Task reward: Superstar Skills, Maniero’s envied Ironman (injury exemption). Planet Level Skills, Kaka’s Big Step Meteor. Player Level Skills, Master of the Outer Foot."
Seeing the task bar, Lu Yang instantly understood Maniero’s fervor.
God opens one door for you, will inevitably also close a window.
Maniero’s football career is perfect, but he could never see the scenery ahead, only confined to the role of a defensive midfielder, deciding from miles away.
Though filled with the demeanor of wise men and managers, it lacks the passion, excitement, and decisive moments of the frontline.
Maniero must be planning something, with his understanding of football, he can’t stay idle for a lifetime.
Serie A has over six clubs inviting him; Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, there’s invitations from teams everywhere to coach, yet he’s never accepted. His true goal is actually quite obvious.
Either he’s waiting to take over his mother club Juventus, or... to head the Italy National Team, leading the squad to complete the mission they never accomplished back then — the European Cup!
Suddenly, Lu Yang was awakened.
He looked at Maniero and nodded heavily.
No one knows what he promised Maniero, including Maniero.
He promised not to help Maniero test the new playing style but to help Maniero achieve his former dream — to touch the glory of the De Laurant Cup!